SG60 and the Immigrant Irony: A Nation Built by Strangers, Now Fearful of Them?

As Singapore gears up for its SG60 celebrations—a dazzling showcase of steel, glass, multicultural pageantry and techno-utopian optimism—it's worth taking a sobering pause. Sixty years of independence is no small feat. We’ve built a nation from scratch (supposedly), leapfrogged third-world roots to first-world fame, and in doing so, engineered one of the world’s most efficient, clean, and stable societies.

Cue fireworks, national songs, and teary-eyed montages.

But there’s an elephant at the Padang. One that walks quietly through our history books and into our coffee shop conversations: immigration.

A Country Founded by Outsiders

Let’s not mince words—Singapore exists because of immigration. Raffles’ vision of a strategic trading port attracted swarms of Chinese coolies, Indian labourers, Arab traders, and European merchants. There was no “native” Singaporean ethnicity except for the Malays or the Orang Laut. Instead, we had confluence, chaos, and compromise. The kampungs, kopitiams, and temples we romanticize today were the very real results of immigrant communities staking a claim in an unfamiliar land.

Fast forward to 2025: The irony is thick. A country founded by immigrants now struggles with the tension of welcoming new ones. “Foreign talent,” once a badge of economic progress, is now a lightning rod for social unease. Forums rage, Reddit simmers, and politicians tiptoe. The ghost of xenophobia now haunts a nation once built by precisely the same demographic it is nervous about.

A Prosperous But Fragile Balance

It’s easy to dismiss anti-immigrant sentiment as ignorance or insecurity—but that would be lazy. Singaporeans aren’t stupid. Their concerns often arise not from racism but from tangible fears: job competition, rising living costs, cultural dilution, and perceived inequality in the system. It’s not irrational then to ask,

“Where do we fit in?”

But let’s be clear: shutting the door isn’t an option. With one of the lowest fertility rates in the world (a magnificent 0.97, if you’re tracking), an ageing population, and an economy that thrives on high-skill labour, Singapore needs immigrants like kopi needs condensed milk. We’re not just reliant—we're dependent.

The Modern Immigrant: Scapegoat or Solution?

Today’s immigrants aren’t just workers. They’re caregivers keeping our elders healthy, coders building the apps we rely on, researchers securing our food supply, and entrepreneurs reinvesting in our economy. The challenge is not that we have immigrants. It’s that we have failed to narrate their value convincingly to the average Singaporean.

When the benefits of immigration feel like they go to landlords, corporates, or elite institutions while the social friction is borne by everyday heartlanders, a resentment gap emerges. And that’s where xenophobia festers—not from immigration itself, but from a perceived lack of fairness and transparency.

What Must Policymakers Do?

1. Control the Optics, Not Just the Inflow

   Policy must go beyond cold economic logic. It must feel humane, equitable, and rooted in public consensus. Transparency in who is being brought in—and why—is essential.

   
   

2. Put Integration on Steroids

   It’s time to move beyond the “community centres and curry potlucks” version of integration. Language support, cultural orientation, and even national service incentives for new immigrants should be on the table. Make newcomers feel like stakeholders, not just tenants.

   
   

3. Prioritize Upward Mobility for Locals

   A sense of opportunity must be preserved. If citizens feel stagnated while foreigners climb, resentment is inevitable. Protecting local jobs isn’t xenophobia—it’s common sense. But that must be paired with upskilling and a dynamic economy that creates more value for all.

   
   

4. Celebrate Immigrant Contributions—Loudly

   Media, education, and public discourse should proudly showcase stories of foreign-born contributors to Singapore’s success. Turn what is currently whispered shame into national pride.

   
   

5. Reward Commitment, Not Just Credentials

   If a foreigner has lived, worked, contributed, paid taxes, raised a family, and integrated—why are we still hesitant about giving them PR or Citizenship? Technical skills shouldn’t be the only metric. Loyalty and lived experience must count.

Striking the Balance: Harmony with Honesty

As we approach SG60, we’re at an inflection point. Singapore’s success has always been about walking tightropes—between East and West, state and market, control and creativity. Immigration is no different. We don’t need more “open door” slogans or “Singaporeans first” tokenism. We need mature, intelligent policymaking that respects our past, acknowledges the present, and plans smartly for the future.

Let’s not forget: the national pledge we all recite doesn’t begin with “I was born here.” It begins with “We, the citizens of Singapore.”

The question now is—how wide is that “we”? And are we still courageous enough to expand it?

At Elite Expats, we navigate this delicate terrain every day. We see the engineers, the caregivers, the artists, and entrepreneurs—many of whom are as committed to Singapore’s future as any flag-waving citizen. If you’re one of them and want to contribute meaningfully to the Singapore story, let us help you make that case.

This article is part of the Elite Expats series spotlighting immigration, wealth, and identity in Asia’s most strategic city-state.

Muhammad Ryhan has extensive experience in facilitating successful pathways for individuals and businesses from diverse backgrounds into Singapore  - having consistently delivered tailored solutions that align with Singapore's dynamic immigration landscape. He has provided expert insights on prominent media platforms like The Straits Times, The Business Times, and Thomson Reuters since 2014 and has ingrained into his work ethics unparalleled dedication to ensuring that your immigration journey is not just seamless but strategically aligned with your goals.